Tamara Tolman: Intergenerational Ministry and Children

Tammy Tolman is the founding pastor of the Intergenerational Creative Arts community in Australia. Tammy has been actively involved in ministry to children and their families for 30 years. She has been married for 30 years and has two young adult children. Tammy is a trained teacher (Diploma of Teaching) and has a degree in theology from ACOM (Australian College of Ministry). Tammy’s books, Piece by Piece (2008) and Collide: Exploring Intergenerational Ministry (2013) along with her “Discovery Learning Series” curriculum and worship music effectively minister to children and their families all over the world. Tammy has spoken at conferences in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Lebanon, the United Kingdom, and Cambodia. She is passionate to see the “family of God” be empowered to grow and walk the lifelong faith journey together. 

Brenda Snailum: Intergenerational Ministry and Youth

Dr. Brenda Snailum is a professor of Youth & Family Studies at Denver Seminary. She has been a leader and educator in children’s, youth, and family ministry for over 30 years and is a well-respected voice in the intergenerational ministry conversation. She has led national seminars on integrating youth and young adults into the church, published a number of articles on intergenerational ministry, and is a contributing author to Teaching the Next Generations and the Encyclopedia of Christian Education. Some of her favorite things are family, chocolate and traveling. 

She has a passion to see all generations welcomed, connected and contributing in the church in significant ways. “It’s a unity issue. As our culture becomes more fragmented and isolated, the need for us to come together as a truly intergenerational Body of Christ becomes more critical. It’s our witness and ministry to a hurting and lonely world.”

Joshua L. Mitchell: Intergenerational Ministry and Emerging Adults

Rev. Dr. Joshua L. Mitchell is a native of Baltimore, MD. His Master of Divinity degree is from The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology and his Doctor of Ministry degree is from Virginia Union University where his research focused on Black Millennials and Discipleship. His research findings are the foundation for his 2018 Judson Press book release entitled Black Millennials and the Church: Meet Me Where I Am.  Rev. Mitchell is a frequent lecturer and consultant on effective ministry to youth and young adults and is the founder and CEO of Digital Discipleship LLC, a consulting firm committed to serving leaders and congregations in the area of Millennial Engagement.

As a licensed and ordained minister, Rev. Mitchell has dedicated his life to serving in the ministry and currently serves as the Minister to Youth and College Students at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  

Michael Parker: Intergenerational Ministry and Senior Adults

Dr. Michael Parker is currently Professor of Social Work and Institute for Research & Aging at the University of Alabama and Associate Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care and Center for Comprehensive Aging at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He is also affiliated with the Center for Spirituality, Theology & Health, Duke Medical School. Dr. Parker holds a BS in economics and an MS in psychology from Auburn University & a Doctorate from the University of Alabama. 

In A Vision for the Aging Church: Renewed Ministry to and from Seniors (2011, InterVarsity Press), Dr. Parker and his co-author, Dr. James Houston, summarize years of research with congregations, address ageism in the modern church, and offer theological perspectives and sustainable, evidence-based programs that can be implemented through partnerships across denominational lines that tap into regional academic institutions. 

Dr. Parker and his wife, Lane, have been married 40 years, and they have four adult children and five and counting grandchildren.